The Met Office has released detailed maps showing which 32 UK counties have the greatest chance of catching a glimpse of the highly anticipated solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12. This rare celestial event will be the first of its kind visible across the region in almost 30 years.
What to Expect
During the partial solar eclipse, the Moon will cover approximately 90% to 96% of the Sun at its peak. Shortly after 6pm, the Moon will begin to pass in front of the Sun, creating a downward-facing crescent that will gradually become thinner over the following hour, according to Royal Museums Greenwich.
While parts of Europe will see the eclipse in its entirety, the UK will get just a glimpse – but it will still be the most the Sun has been covered above our skies since the total eclipse witnessed in 1999. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Earth and the Sun, blocking some or all of the Sun's light. The eclipse is expected to last for around two hours.
Cloud Cover Forecast
Met Office weather maps indicate that a large proportion of Scotland and North Wales will be covered by a significant amount of cloud at 7pm, which could block parts of the eclipse. The latest forecasts suggest that southern and eastern parts of England, particularly the South West, look more promising with little to no cloud cover.
The Sun will also be relatively low in the western sky, meaning viewers will need a clear view towards the west to see the eclipse at its best.
Timings and Viewing
In London, the eclipse is expected to begin at around 6.17pm, reach maximum coverage at approximately 7.12pm, and end at around 8.06pm. Exeter will wait the longest for the eclipse, with it due to take place at 7.15pm. Times will vary across the country.
Across large parts of Europe, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, and northern Italy, viewers will see between 88% and 95% coverage, while parts of Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain will be treated to a total eclipse.
The 32 Counties with the Best Chance
England: Northumberland, Cumbria, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Greater London, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, Somerset, Bedfordshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Warwickshire, North Yorkshire, Wiltshire, Devon, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Essex, Gloucestershire, Derbyshire, Suffolk, Dorset, Northamptonshire.
Wales: Monmouthshire, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Anglesey.
